There’s an interesting article on overuse injuries in young athletes in the Strength and Conditioning Journal this month. The author, James Johnson, has done an excellent job of putting into words a problem I see every day. Since most of you don’t have access to it, I thought I’d give you a few highlights of Dr. Johnson's research on what is an alarming increase in injuries among young athletes. 
Competitive seasons last longer and many athletes practice all year for one sport.
Cuts in school physical education has led parents to create homegrown programs for their children. Unfortunately, coaches in these programs sometimes have minimal training. Certification isn't always required. So we are placing our most vulnerable athletes with the least trained coaches.
Overuse injuries are the most common. They are typically caused by repetitive submaximal loading, which occurs with activities such as throwing, swimming, or running.
Children are especially susceptible to overuse injuries because they are still growing.
Prevention is the key. Use proper training methods and allow time for recovery. Always use an appropriate warm up. Vary practice patterns to avoid overuse. Measure progression and make sure it is a gradual progression.
I couldn’t agree more with this article – too many children are getting overuse injuries. At SVMC, we're seeing more and more kids with sore shoulders, sore knees, sore backs, etc.
There are many factors here, not just overtraining. Some of these kids are deconditioned (too many video games), or their injuries are related to motivation, but overtraining is often involved.
Don’t get me wrong, I think sports programs are great for kids, but they need to be done right. Coaches and parents have the best intentions, but these do not mean much if the training is wrong.
If you want to read the article in full, stop by SVMC's Health Sciences Library. Our librarian Gary Strubel will be glad to help you find a copy to read. You call the library at 802-447-5120. You can find the article in Strength and Conditioning Journal, Vol 30, Number 2, April 2008.